What physical balance characterizes a star on the Main Sequence?
Answer
Inward force of gravity balanced by outward thermal pressure
During the Main Sequence phase, a star maintains hydrostatic equilibrium. This state is achieved when the powerful, crushing inward force exerted by the star's own gravity is perfectly counteracted by the immense outward thermal pressure generated by ongoing nuclear reactions in the core. Specifically, this pressure arises from the continuous fusion process where hydrogen atoms are converted into helium atoms. This precise balancing act allows the star to remain stable for the majority of its active life, dictating its physical size and energy output until the core hydrogen fuel is exhausted.
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